Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
  • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
  • H04B1/40—Circuits
  • H04B1/44—Transmit/receive switching
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/06—Receivers
  • H04B1/08—Constructional details, e.g. cabinet
  • H04B1/086—Portable receivers
  • H04B1/088—Portable receivers with parts of the receiver detachable or collapsible
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
  • H04B1/40—Circuits
  • H04B1/403—Circuits using the same oscillator for generating both the transmitter frequency and the receiver local oscillator frequency
  • H04B1/406—Circuits using the same oscillator for generating both the transmitter frequency and the receiver local oscillator frequency with more than one transmission mode, e.g. analog and digital modes

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a radio system and particularly, but not exclusively, to a system employing what are commonly known as a personal role radios as typically carried by members of the armed forces or organisations such as the police.
• a personal role radio as typically carried by members of the armed forces or organisations such as the police.
• duplex mode is similar to a telephone system where the receive and transmit paths are both open and both parties can speak to each other with no other requirement.
• the more common operation is simplex where the transmit path of each radio only works when the transmitter is keyed by the operation of a "press to talk switch" (PTT).
• PTT press to talk switch
• the types of switch used vary and can be either part of a microphone as in the case of the hand held types in common use, or a switch box in a lead between the radio and a headset, as used in commercial and operational headsets.
• a radio system comprising a radio having a transmit mode and a press to talk (PTT) switch to set the radio to a transmit mode, wherein the system further comprises a radio interface associated with the radio and a universal communication interface (UCI) in which the PTT switch is located, the radio interface being arranged to releasably mount said UCI and provide communication between the UCI and radio when mounted thereon.
• PTT press to talk
• the system comprises a variety of radio interfaces which can each receive the UCI, whereby interfaces can be modified to particular applications. Particular mountings maybe required for certain types of vehicle or for where a radio is to be worn by the operator.
• Radio interfaces may be of different types, being application specific and arranged to connect to different types of radio or to be mounted in different locations. That is to say the interface to the UCI is common whilst the mounting of the radio interface or any leads from the radio interfaces can be application specific.
• the radio interface may be mounted directly on the housing of the radio, which is particularly advantageous where the radio is a personal role radio carried, normally by being strapped, to an operative.
• the radio and UCI may form one complete unit with no need for any auxiliary wiring between the two.
• a headset and lapel microphone or similar may be connected to the UCI in the normal manner.
• the radio interface may be a remote interface located away from the radio but connect thereto by a physical communication link, either a wire or optical fibre.
• a physical communication link either a wire or optical fibre.
• the UCI is particularly advantageous if arranged to be connected to a personal role radio by means of the radio interface and to be connected to a second radio by means of a wire or optical link. It is then particularly advantageous that the UCI has two PTT switches mounted thereon, one associated with each radio network.
• the UCI may thus contain circuitry to ensure no cross-communication can occur between at least one transmission and one reception signal associated with different radio networks by closing one channel (normally a transmit channel when a receive channel is in use).
• the system of the invention may additionally comprise a wired remote PTT module having a PTT switch, which module is small relative to the UCI, the UCI having a connection for the wire to the remote PTT switch.
• a wired remote PTT module having a PTT switch, which module is small relative to the UCI, the UCI having a connection for the wire to the remote PTT switch.
• the system may further comprise a cordless remote PTT module comprising a PTT switch, the remote module additionally comprising a short range, relative to the radio, cordless transmitter.
• the UCI then additionally comprises a receiver for receiving signals from the remote module to remotely activate the function of the PTT switch of the UCI. This is particularly advantageous for no matter whether the UCI is mounted to a personal role radio or to a remote radio interface, possibly mounted to a vehicle, the operative has the means of operating that UCI and the associated radio remotely by means of the remote module.
• the short range transmission may be infra-red but preferably is by way of a radio transmitter.
• the remote module comprises two PTT switches associated with the two radio networks.
• the signal transmitted from the remote module comprises a code to which the receiver of the UCI is responsive thereby ensuring the correct signal is received by the UCI avoiding inadvertent operation when a number of remote modules are operated by respective individuals in close proximity.
• the receiver of the UCI is advantageously responsive to a variety of codes associated with different remote modules. This may be particularly advantageous where the UCI is associated with an operative who may operate several pieces of equipment each fitted with a remote module. The operative can thus operate any piece of equipment associated with a remote module and effectively activate the PTT switch of his UCI via the remote module associated with a respective piece of equipment.
• the receiver of the UCI has a 'learn' mode in which the UCI can learn a code associated with a remote module.
• the UCI learn the code of the module rather than the remote module learn any code associated with the UCI for in this way no receiver is required by the remote module as it only needs to transmit code.
• the UCI of the system comprises a magnetically operated switch and the remote module comprises a magnet, the magnet and magnetically operated switch being arranged such that the magnetically operated switch is caused to adopt a 'learn' mode position when the remote module, including said magnet, is held in an appropriate position relative to the magnetically sensitive switch, in which position activation of the PTT switch on the remote module causes the UCI to learn the code transmitted by the remote module.
• one or more codes can be removed from the UCI so that the UCI is no longer responsive to those codes. Typically such action would clear all the codes from the UCI which would then re-learn the desired code.
• Figure 1A is a perspective view of a personal role radio in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. IB is a perspective view of a universal communication interface (UCI) in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of a remote radio interface
• Figure 3 shows the assembled apparatus of Figure IB and 2;
• Figure 4 shows the assembled apparatus of Figures 1A and Figure IB with auxiliary components
• Figure 5 illustrates an alternative universal communication interface with self-contained speaker and microphone
• Figure 6 illustrates the various communications equipment that interfaces with the universal communication interface of Figure IB;
• Figure 7A schematically illustrates the primary components within the remote module illustrating Figure 6;
• Figure 7B illustrates the primary components of the UCI of Figure IB and Figure 6 which relate to remote operation of the UCI by means of the remote module of Figure 7A.
• a personal role radio is illustrated generally as 1, having a casing 2, a battery compartment cover 3, operating controls 4 and 5, and an end face constituting a radio interface 6.
• the interface 6, has a fitting slot 7, fitting thread 8 and electrical interconnects 9, 10 and 11.
• the personal role radio 1 comprises an aerial, (which is internal on the embodiment illustrated), a transmitter and receiver by which it may send and receive radio signals.
• the personal role radio is designed to be carried by an operative and would typically be carried on a belt or could be mounted in close proximity to the operative, for example on a vehicle associated with the operative.
• the radio interface 6 is designed to receive the universal communication interface (UCI) indicated generally as 12 in Figure IB.
• the UCI 12 comprises a stud not shown and screw 13 which co-operate respectively with fitting slot 7 and fitting thread 8 to hold the UCI housing 14 in position.
• the UCI 12 comprises a headset connector 15, push to talk (PTT) buttons 16 and 17 respectively associated with two different radio networks and two slots , only one 18 of which is shown, for receiving optional cable connections.
• PTT push to talk
• buttons 16 and 17 are depressed in order to talk to respective communication networks through respective radios, one button 16 is associated with the personal role radio 1 of Figure 1A, while button 17 is associated with a external radio network, which may be a combat network radio where the radio system is employed in a military application.
• the universal communication interface comprises circuitry to ensure that when a signal is being received on one communication network the press to talk function controlled by the button associated with the other network cannot be activated. This ensures that a radio signal being received and transmitted to a user, possibly by means of a headset, cannot inadvertently be picked up by the open microphone and simultaneously transmitted on the other radio network.
• the radio of Figure 1A is mounted to the UCI of Figure IB and an appropriate headset or speaker/microphone are connected to the UCI there is a self-contained personal role radio which may be carried by an operative, the radio interfacing with the universal communication interface via contacts 9 and corresponding contacts (not shown) on the universal communication interface 12.
• the remote radio interface 19 comprises the same physical and electrical connections as the interface 6 and thus the UCI can be mounted to the remote radio interface 19 as shown in Figure 3.
• slot 18 in the UCI 12 may receive a cable with contacts on a spade which connect to contacts 10.
• a corresponding slot (not shown) on the other side of the UCI permits a similar cable with contacts to connect with the contacts 11 on the interface 6 or 19.
• lead 21 being connected and lead 22 shown disconnected in order to illustrate contact spade 23 which connects to contacts 11 of figures 1A and 2.
• the UCI 12 is mounted on the personal role radio 1 but could equally be connect to the remote radio interface 19 of Figure 2, as shown in Figure 3.
• Lead 21 may be connected to an auxiliary radio depending on the application, whilst leads 22 connects remote switches 24 and 25, corresponding to press to talk switches 16 and 17 to the UCI 12.
• the additional switches 24 and 25 may be located at a position convenient to an operative for example, on the handlebars of a motorcycle or quad bike or on the stock of a rifle. This permits the radio to be operated without the operative needing to remove his hands from the controls of the vehicle or from a gun he his carrying. Alternatively, depending on the application, this function may be satisfied simply by having the UCI 12 mounted on the remote radio interface 19 as shown in Figure 3 and having the complete unit then mounted at an appropriate location, either on a vehicle or perhaps on a chest holster worn by an operative. It will be realised that there are any number of permutations which a remote universal communication interface 12 permits.
• UCI 26 incorporates a microphone 27 and speaker 28 such that it can be operated without a headset. In the embodiment illustrated there is only a single push to talk switch 29 but this is a matter of design choice.
• the UCI 26 interfaces with the personal role radio 1 of Figure 1A, or the remote radio interface as illustrated in Figure 2, in exactly the same manner as the UCI 12 illustrated in Figure IB.
• FIG. 12 of Figure IB is shown connected to a headset, illustrated generally as at 30 having headphones 31 and a microphone 32 located on a stalk which when worn by an operative is in front of the operatives mouth.
• a headset illustrated generally as at 30 having headphones 31 and a microphone 32 located on a stalk which when worn by an operative is in front of the operatives mouth.
• the UCI 12 is mounted on the remote radio interface 19 previously described with reference to Figure 2.
• the radio system additionally comprises a cordless remote press to talk (PTT) module 33 having a PTT switch 34 thereon and a magnet 35, located adjacent the wall of the casing 36 of the remote module 33.
• the remote module 33 comprises a low power transmitter arranged such that operation of the PTT switch 34 causes a signal 37 to be transmitted to the UCI 12 which when received by the receiver (not shown) of the UCI 12 the UCI functions as though the PTT switch (16) had been depressed.
• the remote module 33 could comprise two switches corresponding to the switches 16 and 17 of the UCI if the module is desired to be used with a UCI designed to operate with two networks.
• the remote module 33 is shown schematically to comprise a battery 37 connected by PTT switch 34 to transmit circuit 38.
• the switch 34 When the switch 34 is depressed the battery is connected to the transmit circuit which retrieves a code from EPROM 39.
• This code is effectively unique to the remote module and is transmitted in a signal via antenna 40 to receiving antenna 41 housed within the UCI 12 illustrated schematically in Figure 7B, with the function of only one PTT switch 16 illustrated for clarity.
• the PTT switch 16 connects the microphone 32 to the personal role radio 1.
• the communication path to the headphones 31 has been omitted for clarity).
• the headset is shown connected via UCI 12 to personal role radio 1 the radio could be any radio.
• the microphone 32 may be connected to the personal role radio 1 by means of switch 16 or by means of signal received by receiver 42 via antenna 41.
• the receiver 42 when receiving the correctly coded signal closes switch 43. It should be noted here that although Figure 7, and description thereof, talks about opening and closing switches and the switches are illustrated as being physical switches contained within the UCI 12, in practice this function may be achieved electronically and indeed may be achieved by generating an appropriate signal to the transmitter contained within the radio 1.
• the remote module 33 may be held adjacent the UCI 12 with magnet 35 adjacent a magnetically sensitive reed switch 44 in the receiver. With the magnet 35 adjacent the reed switch 44, the reed switch closes setting the receivers circuit to a 'learn' mode.
• An operative depressing the PTT switch 34 of the remote module 33 causes the code stored therein to be transmitted from the remote module 33 to the receiver 42, which code is then stored in memory in the receive circuit 42 and subsequently recognised as an appropriate code.
• the receiver 42 may learn a number of codes such that it is responsive to signals from a corresponding number of remote units.
• the receiver circuit 42 is programmed to recognise this as a 'clear all codes' signal. Alternatively the receiver could be programmed to recognise a signal lasting longer than a set duration.
• the police rider would typically have a personal role radio mounted upon his person complete with a headset and UCI, the UCI either being mounted directly to the radio or perhaps strapped to his chest.
• the advantage of this is that whether on the bike or dismounted the Police rider carries his complete radio system with him.
• the remote module 33 may be mounted at a convenient location on the handlebars of the bike. Thus when the rider wishes to reply to a communication he can simply push the button 34 and speak into the microphone. On leaving the bike he leaves the remote module 33 on the bike but can communicate by pressing PTT button 16 on the UCI 12.
• the rider may ride a number of bikes and a particular bike may be ridden by a number of riders.
• the rider can program the receiver of his UCI with the code of all the bikes or vehicles he rides (cars he drives) so that a remote module mounted on any one of those vehicles will operate his particular radio.
• he gets on to a bike he has not ridden before, he simply places his UCI 12 adjacent the remote module 33 of that bike such that the code of that remote module is then stored in the receiver of his UCI.
• the remote module 33 it would be possible for the remote module 33 to have a receiver and receive codes transmitted from the UCI, however this requires an extra receiver in the remote module 33 and transmitter in the UCI 12. Also it will be realised that a learning mode may be generated other than by magnet 35 for example a screwdriver could be placed in a small hole to operate a switch equivalent to the magnet 35 operating reed switch 43.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Transceivers (AREA)
• Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
• Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
• Transmitters (AREA)
• Communication Control (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
• Circuits Of Receivers In General (AREA)
• Input Circuits Of Receivers And Coupling Of Receivers And Audio Equipment (AREA)
• Radio Relay Systems (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

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• 1999
  • 1999-12-16 GB GBGB9929634.5A patent/GB9929634D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2000
  • 2000-12-15 AT AT00985587T patent/ATE407482T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
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  • 2000-12-15 DE DE60034367T patent/DE60034367T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
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• 2002
  • 2002-06-12 ZA ZA200204730A patent/ZA200204730B/en unknown
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• 2006
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